News & Events

The polo match on Governors Island. Photo: Clint Spaulding.

Sentebale's Patrons Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso have been to New York where Sentebale was beneficiary of the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.

The event was a great success and a welcome opportunity to tell people in America about the vital work of Sentebale supporting Lesotho's at risk orphans and vulnerable children. It was also a victorious day with the Sentebale Polo Team winning the match against the Black Watch team.

The charity polo match was held on May 30th on New York's historic Governors Island, and raised funds for American Friends of Sentebale, the US charity in aid of Sentebale.

Prince Harry playing for Team Sentebale. Photo: Clint Spaulding.

More than five thousand public spectators turned up to watch the match and celebrities attending included Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny, LL Cool J, Donna Karan and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson.

Prince Harry, Team Captain Mariano Aguerre, Emma Tomlinson and Martin Pepa won the match for Team Sentebale 6-5 with a winning goal in the last minute against the Black Watch team captained by Nacho Figueras.

Prince Seeiso talks about Sentebale. Photo: Clint Spaulding.

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso took the opportunity to say a few words during the day. When speaking, Prince Harry referred to the affection his mother Diana, Princess of Wales held for New York and the influence she had in him setting up the charity.

He said: "Prince Seeiso and I both lost our mothers when we were young.

"We set up Sentebale in their memory and, because my mother loved this city, it makes this occasion all the more poignant for me."

He joked that the speech would have to be kept short because he had to "practice how to fall gracefully from a pony I've never ridden".

Prince Seeiso then appealed for the support of the guests to help make a difference:

“You individually and collectively can make a difference to the lives of the children of Lesotho”.

Kedge Martin talks about Sentebale . Photo: Chris Jackson.

Sentebale were delighted to benefit from such a great event and both Patrons enjoyed the day and having the opportunity to tell people in America about Sentebale's work in Lesotho.

Most importantly, the day was a reminder of the support that is needed to help Lesotho's children.

Kedge Martin, Sentebale's CEO explained why fundraising events like this one are so important:

“Sentebale exists to give Lesotho's children the care and support that they lack having lost parents, as well as giving them the education and opportunity to make the most of their future”.